20 Great Ideas for Bar Codes

20 Great Ideas for using Bar Codes to improve your efficiency

Bar Codes are not just for super markets, here are some different ways of using bar codes to improve other areas of your business.

Bar coding need not be expensive either, with simple bar code pens available for around a £100.

1) bar code mailshots so handling returns is easy
2) bar code documents so filing is easy
3) bar code fixed assets so auditing is easy
4) bar code IT assets to computer mgmt is easy
5) bar code backup tapes to guarantee identification

6) bar code software licences so they can be tied back to PCs
7) bar code remittance statements to reduce data entry
8) bar code project management forms
9) bar code holiday forms
10) bar code expense forms

11) bar code PC components
12) bar code stock
13) bar code customer agreements
14) bar code attendees badges at conferences, exhibitions
15) bar code students ids for schools or training centres

16) bar code exam papers to tie student and paper together
17) bar code flexi-time cards
18) bar code your own security and id cards
19) bar code library materials
20) integrate bar codes with document management

21) bar code sales enquiries so they can be tracked
22) bar code orders so their status can be tracked through shipping

Free Download - The Centreline 2000 Calculator

We talked a few weeks ago about Greenvale Produce Ltd and their idea for their own unique industry specific calculator. Not just a typical unused give-away, but a real genuinely useful tool for their suppliers and customers.

Well, they now have theirs at Greenvale (if you are in the potato business) or you can download ours at our Download Centre

The Centreline 2000 Calculator does VAT calcs, automatic calculation of download times based on file size and modem speed and ASCII, Hex and Decimal conversions (well we are an IT company after all).

But there must be standard calculations within your own trade that would make your own give-away calculator a great idea. Of course the Calculator can be loaded with your own logo's, even sales offers and other gimmicks to encourage some business.

INSIDER NEWS: Buy an HP Printer now and save money or get yourself a 17" monitor for less.

Here's a couple of bits of news from inside the computer reseller channel that you probably won't have heard.

Firstly, there is a serious shortage of HP printers in the channel, old HP just cannot make enough of them. So HP are currently selling the newer and high spec HP 4000 at prices very close to the old HP5.

This makes them a stunningly good deal - a high performance printer with a genuine office duty cycle.

Secondly, both Dell and Gateway are reporting shortages of 15 inch monitors and so if you press them will offer you a good deal on upgrading to a 17inch monitor (well worth doing in my book for any intensive windows work). Right now you can probably secure those extra 2 inches for less than 100 pounds.

DON'T TOUCH THAT MOUSE!

Windows tips for those who want to keep their hands on the keyboard.

Another in our occasional series of really obvious (but only if you know them) keyboard short cuts

Firstly, instant cut and paste in Windows applications. These commands also work in Explorer which makes them very useful for manipulating files:

CTRL-X          Cut a file (or files)
CTRL-C          Copy a file (or files)
CTRL-V          Paste a file (or files)

Windows Explorer short cuts also include:

SHIFT+DELETE    Delete immediately without putting
                the file in Recycle Bin
ALT+ENTER       Properties
CTRL+G          Goto
CTRL+Z          Undo
CTRL+A          Select all
BACKSPACE       Goes to the parent folder
SHIFT+(close)   Closes this folder and all its parent folders
Num*            Expands everything under selection
Right arrow     Expands current selection if it's collapsed;
                otherwise goes to the first child.
Left arrow      Collapses current selection if it's expanded;
                otherwise goes to the parent

In response to pressure from Microsofts Explorer, Netscape have announced that Navigator and Communicator will now be available free.

In our opinion Navigator has consistently been a better browser than Explorer and given the current problems with Explorer 4 seriously screwing up your machine this is good news for everybody.

Navigator of course is the web browser, but Communicator is the full package we also includes email and news readers as well as web page editing - a very thorough package.

See http://www.netscape.com/ for details.

The latest Internet Scam (Not for the faint hearted)

So, apparently there is now a new trade over the Internet - selling human sperm. The traffic is increasing to such an extent that the Human Fertility and Embryology Authority is issuing majors warnings and launched its own web site.

You read the ad that says the father is "6ft 2in, IQ 140, world class athlete" but what you actually get is Texas Tom filling bags out in the warehouse.

Uuughghh! Just doesn't bear thinking about...

But then maybe, if you could prove your own credentials.....